Irked By Modi-Biden's Joint Statement Calling-Out Cross-Border Terrorism In J&K, Pakistan Summons US Envoy

Pakistan has summoned the US envoy to show its strong displeasure over the joint statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden about stopping cross-border terrorism, emanating from Pakistan's territory, against India.

The joint-statement was made after both the leaders met at the White House on Friday (23 June), during Prime Minister Modi's state visit to the United States (US).

The statement asked Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used for launching terror attacks in neighboring countries.

Prime Minister Modi also talked about the 'pressing danger' of radicalism and terrorism and said that, "there cannot be any ifs or buts in dealing with terrorism," while addressing the joint sitting of the US Congress.

US state department spokesperson Matt Miller also said that Pakistan had been told to take additional steps to counter terrorist groups.

Miller said, "We have also been consistent on the importance of Pakistan continuing to take steps to permanently dismantle all terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad, and their various front organisations and we will raise the issue regularly with Pakistani officials."

Following these remarks, Pakistan Foreign Ministry summoned the US embassy's deputy chief of mission asking the US to refrain from issuing statements that are "politically-motivated" towards Pakistan.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry said, “It was stressed that the United States should refrain from issuing statements that may be construed as an encouragement of India’s baseless and politically motivated narrative against Pakistan.”

It also emphasised Pakistan's co-operation with the United States against terrorism.

"It was also emphasised that counter-terrorism co-operation between Pakistan and the US had been progressing well and that an enabling environment, centred around trust and understanding, was imperative to further solidifying Pakistan-US ties," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry added.

All these diplomatic maneuvering is coming after widespread violence in Pakistan that killed more than 51 civilians following the arrest of former Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, amid the ongoing economic crisis, rising debt and the threat of economic default.

Although, Pakistan has recently received temporary relief, as the Chinese has approved a loan worth $1 billion, providing vital assistance to Pakistan and helping them avert the threat of default.

However, it is worth noting that negotiations, which have been ongoing since last year, for a potential bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have encountered significant hurdles.